Monkeys of Hong Kong

The predominant monkey species in Hong Kong is the Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta), with some hybrids between this species and the Long-tailed Macaque (M. fascicularis). They are mainly found in Kam Shan, Lion Rock, Shing Mun and nearby Country Parks. The total population of monkeys is about 2,000 to 2,100, distributed in around 30 social troops.

 

Monkeys are adapted to different types of habitats, such as forest, grasslands, and even in urbanized areas. Although monkeys are good climbers and swimmers, they spend most of their time on the ground. They feed mainly on plant materials like leaves, fruits, flowers, shoots and barks, but occasionally feed on small animals like insects.

 

Over the years, due to heavy human feeding, the population of monkeys in Hong Kong has increased dramatically. Through frequent contact with humans, some monkeys have become fearless to human. Since people who feed monkeys usually carry food in plastic bags, the monkeys have learned to snatch plastic bags from visitors in an attempt to obtain food.